THE Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI) yesterday launched a new training curriculum that will assist its Corrective Services Training Centre (CSTC) to effectively deliver foundation training for CSSI staff.
The document was jointly launched by the CSSI Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi, Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services Anthony Veke and the Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan, at the CSSI headquarters in Honiara.
The new training curriculum will enhance learning and development opportunities in modern corrective practices for CSSI staff and new recruits.
It contains a variety of training programs, and focuses on various topics including security, case management, mental health, juveniles, and anti-racism.
The training manual was made possible through a collaboration between the Australian and Solomon Islands Governments and the CSSI.
Speaking at the launch, Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi thanked the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services and the Australian High Commission for their continued support to CSSI and described the launch as a historical beginning for CSSI.
“This is a historical beginning for CSSI in terms of capacity and capability development of CSSI staff,” Manelusi said.
“This is also in line with the DCGA Policy statement, which is to improve the standard of training delivered within CSSI.”
Delivering the keynote address, the. Minister of Police National Security & Correctional Services (MPNSCS) Anthony Veke said his ministry is mandated to improve resources and capacity within CSSI.
“The envisage out of this policy is to upgrade the curriculums of all agencies to enable them to be accredited to national education authorities and renown regional institutions as well as international institutions,” he added.
Australian High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan reiterated the important role of the wider justice system.
“The wider justice system plays such an important role, not just in maintaining law and order, but in fact in underpinning society and the economy,” Strahan said.
“Without a strong justice system, an economy cannot function, and a society cannot live in harmony.
“We are very proud that Australia has played a role over a long period of time in supporting training and reinforcing the different arms of the justice sector, including ongoing support to CSSI, through technical, infrastructures and learning and development programs in partnership with the Queensland Corrective Services (QCS).
“Learning never stands still. We can always learn from the past and come up with better ways of doing things. I’m glad an Australian adviser, Angelique Deep, was able to play such an important role in developing the new curriculum even though she was working remotely.
“She proved that it’s still possible to get good work done in these challenging COVID-19 times.”
